Public reacts to Dick’s, Walmart changing rules for gun sales

Micah Pickering

Thursday

Mar 1, 2018 at 4:46 PM

Earlier this week Dick’s Sporting goods announced that it would no longer sell guns to customers under the age of 21. Additionally the chain will no longer sell anymore “assault style” weapons similar to the AR-15.

Wal-Mart has enacted similar policies at their stores as well. These new policies are in direct response to the Parkland, FL school shooting.

The decisions made by both of these giant retailers have caused mixed responses and in some cases, quite polarizing.

The Beauregard Daily News and Leesville Daily Leader recently asked readers to voice their opinion on the issue via Facebook.

Some people strongly oppose the decisions made by the retailers and believe the new age limit violates their rights, and hurts law abiding gun owners.

Wesley Blanchard commented that he believes “their decision not to sell rifles and shotguns to 18-through 20-year-old folks is a violation of their Second and Fourteenth amendment rights. Therefore their license to sell firearms should be revoked immediately!”

Corine Nichols posted, “Something is wrong when a young man/woman of 18 can fight for his country but can’t buy a gun until the age of 21.”

Others agreed with the decisions the stores made and believe it is something that should be adopted at all stores that sell firearms. “I like it. I’m a Republican, but in my opinion there is no reason for anyone other than military to have assault rifles,” said Kay Fontenot.”

Eric Scroggs was among the first to respond to the question on Facebook. He wrote, “Why should anyone who isn't police or military have to own an assault rifle? And why shouldn't the age to purchase firearms be more strictly regulated, just like alcohol or tobacco? At least with preventative measures like this maybe, just maybe, it could reduce the chances of kids being massacred. I'm not saying it still won't happen, but maybe it could reduce the numbers. Some sort of action needs to be taken or this will continue to be a problem.”